Gerrard's U-turn after threats to his family

by CHARLES SALE, Daily Mail

Last updated at 14:45 29 June 2004

Steven Gerrard's record-breaking transfer to Chelsea has been derailed because of a hate campaign directed at his family by Liverpool fans furious at the prospect of losing their captain and best player.

The England midfielder had agreed a £30million-plus move to Stamford Bridge, together with personal terms that would have doubled his £60,000-aweek wages.

But the intolerable pressure his family faced on Merseyside, including threatening phone calls and letters, played a pivotal role in Gerrard's U-turn over a move to London.

The abuse directed at Gerrard had reached vitriolic levels in local newspapers and on various websites. The concern for the player was that his close relatives, who live in the city, would have to bear the brunt of further venom following his departure from Anfield.

Death threats

Former manager Gerard Houllier was the subject of death threats while Gerrard's team-mate, Michael Owen, has admitted in the past that threats from the more fanatical tendency are something players have to live with.

Now, frustrated Gerrard, whose dynamic midfield performances for Liverpool last season elevated him to world class status, will have to motivate himself to play for a club he was on the brink of leaving after joining them as an eight-year-old.

It is also understood that Liverpool have not increased the terms of the new four-year contract their star player signed last November.

The same obstructive attitude shown by Merseyside fans not wanting Gerrard to leave could have an effect on a potential Wayne Rooney transfer this summer from neighbouring Everton.

Rooney, England's goalscoring sensation of Euro 2004, has been linked with a move to Manchester United or Chelsea. One of the attractions of moving to Stamford Bridge was the prospect of joining up with Gerrard, his best pal in England's squad.

Rooney, 18, who like Gerrard has his family in close proximity in and around Liverpool, could face similar pressure from disgruntled Everton fans to make him think twice before leaving Goodison.

Gerrard said at a surprise Press conference yesterday: "I have gone with my heart and decided to stay. I love this club and the supporters and that's what it boils down to." Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's dismay over failing to capture Gerrard contrasted sharply to the mood at Liverpool. The skipper's importance to the club was reflected by the trip of new manager Rafael Benitez to the England hotel in Lisbon.